Homer's Heroes Helps Kids With Disabilities Get In The Game

LINCOLN, Neb.-- For six weeks during the summer kids with physical and intellectual disabilities get to play baseball like any other kid. It's all part of Homer's Heroes.

"He has a laundry list of disabilities," said Andy Winkler, a coach and parent, of his son Grant.

Grant has an unknown chromosomal abnormality. Winkler coaches his older boys in baseball. Homer's Heroes gives him the chance to coach Grant too.

"This program helps all the parents get to do the same stuff they'd do with kids that don't have disabilities," said Winkler.

And helps kids with disabilities do the same things kids without them do on the field. The kids all have different types of disabilities and reasons for being a part of Homer's Heroes, but one thing brings them together.

"To have fun!" said Kaitlyn Vander Woude.

"You get to be part of a team," said Eli Brown.

"We work together to get people out," said Tanner Akins.

Working together- and working with a buddy. A buddy could be a parent, sibling, friend, or any volunteer.

"Tyler and I both play baseball separately, then he gets to come to my baseball games and help me," said Kaitlyn of her brother, her buddy.

"Every kid gets to bat, every kid gets a ball thrown at them and it's just a heartwarming experience to see the kids get that opportunity to be together," said John Moorhead, a dad and buddy to his daughter Kailee.

Homer's Heroes is always looking for more buddies. You can find the contact information under the 'MORE INFORMATION ON HOMER'S HEROES LINK' attached to this story.

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